Part OneUnlike the legislature in Ohio, the Kentucky legislature meets for very defined, and relatively brief, sessions. The sessions always begin in early January. In even numbered years, like 2010, they may last up to 60 legislative days, but must be over by April 15. In odd numbered years, the legislature meets for just 30 legislative days that must end no later than March 30.
The task of the legislature this year is crafting a balanced budget for the next two years in face of a projected 1.5 billion dollar shortfall. In the backdrop is the May primary and November general elections which includes a gubernatorial race.
On January 19th, Governor Steve Beshear proposed the adoption of video gaming terminals at state race tracks. He projects that they would generate approximately $780 million over the next two years. In combination with targeted cuts to the state bureaucracy that protect education, Medicaid and public safety, the state could avoid deeper across the board cuts. Supporters of this proposal also believe it would strengthen Kentucky's economically challenged $4-billion horse industry.
To discuss the issues and dynamics facing the Kentucky Legislature this session, I am joined by two members of the legislature. Dennis Keene is a Democrat who lives in Wilder, Campbell County, and represents the 67th House District. Jack Westwood is a Republican senator who lives in Erlanger, Kenton County, Kentucky, and represents the 23rd Senate District.
Part Two Over the last three weeks the world's attention has been focused on Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquakes that have devastated that nation. At the moment the attention is focused on the present and the future, but this tragedy is also reason to remind ourselves that Haiti has a unique place in modern history. Unfortunately it often takes an earthquake, hurricane, military coup or a war for many of us to focus even for a few days or weeks on another part of the world.
The aftermath of earthquake in Haiti provides an opportunity to look for a moment at the unusual, even unique, origins of that nation state. Revolution was in the air in the late 18th century--in the British colonies of North America between 1775 and 1789 and in France beginning in 1789. Against this larger backdrop the enslaved residents of Haiti banded together and fought successfully for their personal freedom and national independence. Their success sets them apart in the history of modern slavery and revolution.
To discuss the Haitian revolution, I am joined now by Sylvia Sellers-Garcia, an assistant professor of history at the University of Cincinnati. Professor Sellers Garcia focuses on colonial Latin America, especially the 18th and early 19th centuries in Guatemala.
